Today, we’re diving into the different types solar technologies and which ones are right for your home. The term “solar energy†simply refers to the energy that comes from the sun, generally in the form of light or heat. Much of the energy we use each day can be traced back to the sun’s energy. Think about it. Biofuels like ethanol and wood are the result of plants turning sunlight into energy to grow. The wind is a result of different levels of heating from the sun around the Earth, causing air to move that we then capture with wind turbines. And yes, even fossil fuels like oil and coal are the result of plants turning sunlight into stored energy millions and millions of years ago. These plants then died, got buried deep beneath the ground, and gradually morphed into fossil fuels.
More solar lights are being installed worldwide and are slowly taking over as the way to illuminate the streets at night, but what are their differences? Why are solar street light systems being used now instead of bringing in the electric and using a traditional street light?
There are two primary types of solar street light systems: off-grid and grid-tied. Off grid solar lights use no power from the grid and produce their own self-sustaining power on each pole, allowing for a zero electric bill for the lifespan of the system. Grid-tied solar light systems feed power from the solar panels to the grid during the day, then use the grid power at night. These systems are typically sized for net zero system design, meaning they produce enough power during the day to offset the electrical usage of the lights at night. Both systems designs for solar street lights take into consideration multiple facets of a project; available sun, required lighting levels, spacing, the wattage of the fixture, and backup power (off grid only).
For years, traditional street lights do not take into consideration any of these requirements. Typically a 250-400 Watt metal halide lamp is used inside a traditional Cobrahead fixture. Spacing, light levels, and even power consumption are not taken into consideration. As we advance in our technology and awareness of climate change and power conservation, things are starting to shift. Now, with new pole installations, even traditional street lights are starting to take into consideration more of what the solar lighting industry has been for decades.
Recently new technology has given us solar powered flagpole lightings. These lightings have proved to be the best solutions for flagpoles. Solar panel manufacturers are now playing a key role in the solar power industry.
However, there is a barrage of cheap solar powered lightings being imported and sold, that do not comply with the flag statute. This is bad for a number of reasons. Imported stuff is cheaply made and more importantly, the designs, materials, colors, and methods do not compare well with the better quality, longer-lasting, and correctly designed flagpole lightings made by American manufacturers. The Flag Company Inc specialized in flags and flagpole lightings offered a special edition of solar powered flagpole lightings to provide innovative solutions for individual projects.
More solar lights are being installed worldwide and are slowly taking over as the way to illuminate the streets at night, but what are their differences? Why are solar street light systems being used now instead of bringing in the electric and using a traditional street light?
There are two primary types of solar street light systems: off-grid and grid-tied. Off grid solar lights use no power from the grid and produce their own self-sustaining power on each pole, allowing for a zero electric bill for the lifespan of the system. Grid-tied solar light systems feed power from the solar panels to the grid during the day, then use the grid power at night. These systems are typically sized for net zero system design, meaning they produce enough power during the day to offset the electrical usage of the lights at night. Both systems designs for solar street lights take into consideration multiple facets of a project; available sun, required lighting levels, spacing, the wattage of the fixture, and backup power (off grid only).
For years, traditional street lights do not take into consideration any of these requirements. Typically a 250-400 Watt metal halide lamp is used inside a traditional Cobrahead fixture. Spacing, light levels, and even power consumption are not taken into consideration. As we advance in our technology and awareness of climate change and power conservation, things are starting to shift. Now, with new pole installations, even traditional street lights are starting to take into consideration more of what the solar lighting industry has been for decades.
Recently new technology has given us solar powered flagpole lightings. These lightings have proved to be the best solutions for flagpoles. Solar panel manufacturers are now playing a key role in the solar power industry.
However, there is a barrage of cheap solar powered lightings being imported and sold, that do not comply with the flag statute. This is bad for a number of reasons. Imported stuff is cheaply made and more importantly, the designs, materials, colors, and methods do not compare well with the better quality, longer-lasting, and correctly designed flagpole lightings made by American manufacturers. The Flag Company Inc specialized in flags and flagpole lightings offered a special edition of solar powered flagpole lightings to provide innovative solutions for individual projects.
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